Mayor Adams Announces Donation Of Surplus Supplies To Ukraine To Support Humanitarian Needs

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the donation of surplus city supplies to Ukraine to support ongoing humanitarian needs.

The delivery of these goods began on April 12^th, with today’s donation marking the city’s third delivery of supplies. Today’s shipment to Ukraine brings the total amount of donated items since April to over 1.5 million.

“As home to the largest Ukrainian population in America, New York City stands in solidarity with its Ukrainian brothers and sisters during this painful time,”said Mayor Adams. “We’ve made some major strides by already providing more than $2 million to Ukrainians who are resettling here as the war overseas rages on. But these donations will provide essential supplies and critical aid to the people and the government of Ukraine. While we are hopeful for an immediate and peaceful resolution to this unjustified war, New York City stands ready to offer Ukraine any other assistance as needed.”

Donated items since April have included:

• Hospital beds
• Mattresses
• Ventilator parts
• Syringes
• Wheelchairs
• Emergency food rations
• Medical gowns
• Boxed water
• Foil blankets
• Cots
• Bandages and surgical tape.
• Medical test swabs
• Portable radios and two-way radios
• Batteries

“This effort is a testament to the benefits of strong interagency collaboration, which continues to be a hallmark of this administration,” said First Deputy Mayor Lorraine Grillo. “The city will continue to do everything in its power to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, as it defends itself against this unprovoked and unjustified invasion.”

“Tapping on the city’s surplus goods to provide humanitarian aid is among the best uses of our resources, and we are thankful we are in a position to help the people of Ukraine,” said New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock. “The spirit of collaboration to get these items where they are needed most is a model example of government in action. I thank our sister agencies for their contributions and MEEST for managing the shipping and logistics. With more than 1.5 million items already donated, we look forward to a continued partnership with the people of Ukraine.”

“My family and I came to the United States as refugees, and I know the pain of leaving home behind. I also understand the impact of conflict on communities. I am grateful that the City of New York, under the leadership of Mayor Eric Adams, has donated these critically needed humanitarian supplies,” said Mayor’s Office for International Affairs Commissioner Edward Mermelstein. “New York City continues to show leadership globally in moments of crises. We urge for a return to peace so communities can rebuild their lives.”

All donations are surplus items from the city and come from various city agencies, including the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM), the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), and the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).

Donations were picked up today from the NYCEM Emergency Support Center in Brooklyn. Ukrainian-based company MEEST is providing free logistical support and shipping.

DCAS and the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs (MOIA) have worked closely with the Ukrainian government to assess its on-the-ground needs and to match those needs with surplus items the city has available to donate. The city stands ready to make additional donations to support humanitarian needs in Ukraine.

“New York City Emergency Management is proud to carry our mission of preparedness, response, and recovery across the five boroughs and beyond,” said NYCEM Commissioner Zach Iscol. New York City is a cultural mecca enriched by its diverse population, and a second home to those who keep close ties with their home countries. We are proud to contribute to this humanitarian effort in Ukraine with the City of New York.”

“The hearts of FDNY members are with the innocent people of Ukraine and their first responders who are bravely risking their lives to save others as their homeland is attacked,” said Acting FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. “The FDNY is proud to stand side by side with our fellow city agencies in this initiative that will deliver these lifesaving supplies to those badly in need of our support.”

“As home to the largest population of Ukrainians in the U.S., the city is committed to supporting the people of Ukraine here and abroad,” said MOIA Commissioner Manuel Castro. “We are proud to collaborate with city agencies in this effort as we continue to work hand in hand with our state and federal partners in our response to this crisis.”

“Humanitarian needs transcend national borders, and with this donation to Ukraine, New York City is providing essential supplies to people fighting for survival,” said New York City Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jason Graham. “As public health professionals in a global city that millions of immigrants call home, we stand with Ukraine and all communities around the world afflicted with pain and suffering.”

“Time and again this virus has shown us that we are all connected in our humanity, regardless of political or geographic borders,” said DOHMH Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “We must continue to work together, as one global community, to curb the spread of COVID-19. My thanks goes out to our sister agencies for their work in supporting pandemic response in Ukraine during this incredibly sad and difficult time for their country.”